Helpful Hints of Hydration

Summertime in Canada is for many an opportunity to enjoy plenty of fun and relaxation. As Canadians, we frequently enjoy our time off during the summer months playing sports, exercising, or spending time at the cottage with family and friends. We love everything to do with the outdoors, and Canadians are no strangers to some extreme weather conditions – and we aren’t talking exclusively about snowstorms and the blustering winds at our local ice rink. Surprisingly, the Canadian summer is HOT, sometimes almost unbearably so, and the heat brings with it many potential health risks. Nevertheless, with some careful consideration, we can all stay safe and enjoy the great outdoors.

One of the easiest ways to prevent many of these heat-related health issues is by staying hydrated. Proper hydration plays an indispensable role in the body’s ability to function properly, particularly during the often sweaty months of summer when our body loses fluid content more rapidly. The average adult is made up of somewhere between 50-65% water, and preserving that ratio is absolutely critical to maintaining healthy bodily function. It is important to take regular hydration breaks from physical activity in the heat, and during the hottest days of the year making sure we drink water before we feel the need.

We at Machealth offer a free introductory course on the importance of Fluids and Electrolytes, which offers a conceptual approach to the various components of electrolyte and acid-base disturbances in a well-structured, easy to understand layout. The course is designed primarily to teach undergraduate medical students about the basics of Fluids and Electrolytes, but is also a great tool to brush up on the subject if your knowledge is quickly drying up.